Robert (Bob) James Navarra, 91, of Greensburg, IN, passed away at 12:32 AM on Monday, June 12, 2023 at Decatur County Memorial Hospital with family by his side. He was born June 1, 1932 in Greensburg, the son of Nicholas R. and Freda M. (Hellmich) Navarra. Bob was united in marriage to Joan Marie (Tekulve) on July 7, 1956, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville, IN, and they spent 66 years together as loving husband and wife.
Bob graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in 1946 and was a 1950 graduate of Greensburg Community High School. He was a United States Army Veteran, having served in Japan following the Korean conflict. Bob was drafted in the Army in December of 1953 and discharged in December of 1955.
He was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he was involved with many committees and served as a Catechist, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and Adoration Chapel Adorer. Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1042, where he was a Fourth Degree member. Bob also volunteered at Decatur County Memorial Hospital and delivered Meals on Wheels with Joan. Bob was co-owner of Navarra’s Wholesale Fruits and Vegetables from 1950 to 1984 when the business was sold. He never met a stranger and made many friends on his produce route over the years. He also worked as Plant Manager of the City of Greensburg Water Department and for Dry Clime Lamp Company.
Bob was known for his excellent work ethic, positive attitude, and beautiful, welcoming smile. His nurses loved him – no matter how ill he was, he always felt “great!”. He enjoyed collecting beer cans, license plates, and coins, as well as birdwatching, woodworking, and gardening. He crafted beautiful crosses, clocks, and perpetual calendars, as well as rocking horses, personalized stepstools, and baby doll cribs for his grandchildren.
Bob is survived by Joan, children Michele (Philip) Gordon of Rushville, IN, Tony (Katherine) Navarra of Conroe, TX, Daniel (Madeline) Navarra of Kissimmee, FL, Sandra (Mark) Wolter of Greensburg, IN, and Angela (Scott) Brigger of Lakewood Ranch, FL. He has nine grandchildren: Tracy (Jason) Eder, Mark (Kayleigh) Gordon, Alicia (Melvin) Payne, Noelle Navarra, Dana Navarra, Lillie (Brian) Frondorf, Emma (Jacob) Smiley, Payton Russell, Amber Navarra and seven great-grandchildren: Lucy Eder, Logan Gordon, Lucas Eder, Liam Eder, Landon Gordon, Myles Payne, Lilah Frondorf, and the littlest member of the Payne family due to arrive late summer. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Nicholas Navarra and Connie Meyer, as well as many other relatives and friends.
Services will be Tuesday, June 27th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with a rosary service beginning at 9:30 AM followed by visitation until 11:45AM. A funeral Mass celebrating Bob’s life will begin at 12:00 PM with Father John A. Meyer officiating. His burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Greensburg. The family requests that memorials be sent to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or St. Mary’s Catholic School. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.popfuneralhome.com.